In July 2022, Matt and Ross Duffer (Duffer brothers), the duo behind Netflix's hit series Stranger Things, have announced the launch of their new production company, Upside Down Pictures. The studio will produce various series for the streaming platform, and they already announced a few projects they'll be working on, including the upcoming Stranger Things spin-off.
One of these projects might come as a surprise to anime/manga fans, and that is a live-action Death Note TV series. This will be the latest live-action adaptation of Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's insanely popular supernatural details to share about the highly-anticipated project.
Here's everything we know about Netflix's live-action Death Note TV series:
Table of Contents
- What will Netflix's live-action Death Note series be about?
- Is the new live-action series connected to Netflix's 2017 Death Note movie?
- Who's behind the Netflix's live-action Death Note series?
- When is the live-action Death Note TV series coming to Netflix?
- Is there already a trailer for Netflix's live-action Death Note series?
What will Netflix's live-action Death Note series be about?
The original Death Note manga series follows the supernatural thriller story of Light Yagami, a Japanese high-school student who stumbles upon a mysterious black notebook that can instantly kill anyone as long as the user knows both the target's name and face. Five days after discovering the Death Note, Light is visited by Ryuk, a "Shinigami" and the previous owner of the notebook.
Right now, it's still unclear whether the new live-action Death Note TV series will adapt the story of Light Yagami or stray away from it and create new characters. Plot details are still being kept under wraps, but we will share the latest information once Netflix and the showrunners provide updates.
Is the new live-action series connected to Netflix's 2017 Death Note movie?
As many anime fans probably know by now, this is not the first time Netflix is adapting Tsugumi Ohba and Takeshi Obata's popular manga series. In 2017, the streaming giant released a Death Note live-action movie directed by Adam Wingard, and starring Nat Wolff and Lakeith Stanfield.
A sequel for that movie is currently in development. However, the live-action Death Note TV series from the Duffer brothers' newly-formed studio will not be a continuation or sequel of Netflix's first Death Note movie.
Who's behind the Netflix's live-action Death Note series?
The ones confirmed to be working on the upcoming live-action Death Note TV series are the Duffer brothers, but it's not entirely clear what role they'll be playing in the adaptation. Unlike the other projects announced by Upside Down Pictures, the new Death Note series doesn't have a showrunner or writer attached to it. This could mean that the writing duo are planning to serve as showrunners, but it's also possible that they will simply just take on a producing role, with the showrunner and writing team still being decided.
In October 2022, Deadline reported that Halia Abdel-Meguid will write Death Note for the Duffer Brothers’ Upside Down Pictures. According to Deadline, Halia speaks Japanese and is a longtime fan of the Death Note manga and anime series
When is the live-action Death Note TV series coming to Netflix?
Since Netflix and Upside Down Pictures just announced their upcoming projects, don't expect the upcoming Death Note live-action project to arrive anytime soon. The production start date might also depend on how busy the Duffer brothers will be. We already know that they will be working on the fifth and final season of Stranger Things, so if they plan to serve as showrunners for Death Note, it'll probably take at least two years before they can begin production for it.
We will update this article once Netflix announces an official release date or release window for the live-action Death Note TV series. For now, check out the list of movies and TV shows coming to Netflix in October 2022.
Is there already a trailer for Netflix's live-action Death Note series?
Since production for Netflix's upcoming live-action Death Note series hasn't officially started yet, don't expect a trailer to come out anytime soon. For now, you can re-watch this trailer for Netflix's 2018 Death Note movie.